Book Review: The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp

About:

The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp tells the story of Chef Mozzy Mlantushi, working on a safari tour, who dreams of becoming a chef especially in a European or American restaurant. Mr. Sharp was brought up, and worked in Africa, currently living in the UK.

• 238 pages
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Matador
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1800463928

My rating for The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing – 4
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Thoughts:

From some reason, I have a weak point for stories taking place in Africa. However, I’ve only been to the top northern part of the continent, not even the part we think about when we hear “Africa”.

The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp has several aspect which usually capture my interest right off the bat. As mentioned, takes place in Africa, along with a culinary theme which is always interesting.

The characters are unique and intriguing, the story a cliché – but it works. The narrative is sweet and humorous with a very likeable protagonist. Chef Mozzy Mlantushi is, to put it mildly, a good man trying to do his best, and furthermore, follow his dream.

I especially enjoyed Chef Mozzy’s character. An honest man who is a better person than those who virtue signal their “goodness”. The code he lives by is something that we should all aspire to, as difficult as it is, difficult for him as well.

The unique perspective was enough to keep me reading. The narrative, for instance, is a pleasure to read through, the African voice was in my head from the start.

The story does have other characters besides Chef Mozzy. He has a boss that doesn’t appreciate him, a wife who spends all their money to give to their church, and of course, the VIPs who he comes across.

All in all, this was just a lovely, quick book to read. A heart-warming story, as well as lush descriptions of nature and meals.

Synopsis:

Mozzy Mlantushi takes tremendous pride in his job as a Chef for a small safari company. He sees an opportunity when a daughter of a famous English restauranteur comes for a tour.

The VIPs, however, are interested in a rare bird. Chef Mozzy believes that this is his big break to be recognized.

Buy The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing from Amazon.com*
More Books by Andrew J.H. Sharp*

Zohar – Man of La Book
Dis­claimer: I got this book for free
*Ama­zon links point to an affil­i­ate account